Conference moira::naturism

143.0. "clubbers and beachers" by VOGON::MURRAY () Fri Mar 03 1989 18:46

    I'm just checking in to this conference again after a long absence from
    the network. I note with some disappointment the continuing lack of
    entries from UK. - I wonder why? - no! not the weather! 
    
    There's a chap called Phil Vallack who refers to the British Naturist
    establishment as the 'Hide and Chide' brigade. And last year I found
    out what he meant. 

    I joined the CCBN ( Central Council for British Naturism ) - just in
    time for the AGM just outside London. I was delighted to meet some
    extremely friendly folk but in my conversations there was definitely a
    feeling of 'them and us' when it came to club people versus beach
    people. No-one actually said anything but I came away with the distinct
    feeling that the clubbers took a bit of a dim view of the beachers and
    thought that it was letting the side down a bit to go public on free
    beaches. - Hence the 'hide and chide'. 
    
    Don't get me wrong - the atmosphere there was great - especially since
    there was such a wide range of people - young , middle aged and a few
    who looked like they wouldn't see 70 again. In fact one of my fond
    memories is the sight of an old couple making their entrance with the
    old lady helping along her husband who was using walking sticks. -
    Excellent. I couldn't put my finger on what the atmosphere was like for
    a while then I realised it reminded me of a wedding. - You know when a
    whole group of people , lots of them strangers and many who haven't met
    for years all meet up - all part of the same family for a while.
    
    But there was still this feeling of the security of the club. One old
    lad had been a member for over 40 years. I may be wrong but I get the
    impression from the majority of correspondents (US) that the same is
    not true outside the UK. 
    
    funny old life init?
    
    Jim